Automatic setting support for a slip hanger

This is a continuation application that is related to and that claims the benefit of priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/598,900, filed Mar. 7, 2024, and entitled “AUTOMATIC SETTING SLIP HANGER SUPPORT WITH RETRIEVAL CAPABILITIES,” the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein and form a part of this specification for all intents and purposes.

This disclosure relates generally to oilfield equipment and more particularly to systems and methods for slip hanger or a packoff to be used with oilfield equipment.

A slip hanger, such as a manual slip hanger, is a type of wellhead equipment used with oilfield equipment to support the weight of oilfield tubulars or strings in a wellbore; these oilfield tubulars may be a casing or tubing strings. The slip hanger may be installed within the wellhead and may include a series of slips that grip a casing string. A housing may be provided to hold the slip hanger in place. Further, a mechanism may be provided within the slip hanger for releasing and setting the slips. The slip hanger may be used in conjunction with a casing or tubing head, which may form part of a wellhead via a flanged, threaded, or other type of mechanical connection. The casing or tubing head may be referred to as a casing head herein, and the tubular may be referred to as a casing string. The casing head includes a bore that may be slightly larger than the casing string, which allows the casing string to be run through it. The slip hanger may be placed within casing head and the slips may be set to grip the casing string. For removal of the casing string, slips may be released by releasing the casing tension and the casing string can be pulled out of the wellbore. In a similar manner, a packoff is a mechanical seal used in oilfield equipment to prevent fluid leakage between sections of the equipment, such as to isolate the annulus volume from a bore volume in a wellhead. In all such applications, there may be issues pertaining to higher pressure and pipe loads, where radial forces exerted may cause a split in halves of a slip hanger or packoff to move apart.

In at least one embodiment, a system for a slip hanger or a packoff to be used with oilfield equipment includes multiple slip segments that are to be supported by a slip bowl and that are to be associated with multiple pins having a self-retractive attribute. The self-retractive attribute allows engagement of the slip segments with a housing of the oilfield equipment based in part on a first direction of movement of the plurality of slip segments. Further, the self-retractive feature is provided, at least in part, by an angled profile for individual ones of the plurality of pins. The angled profile is to interface with a corresponding angled profile of individual ones of the plurality of slip segments. A second direction of movement of the plurality of slip segments allows disengagement of the plurality of pins from the housing by the self-retractive attribute and allows retraction of the plurality of pins into the slip bowl by the self-retractive attribute.

In at least one embodiment, a method for a slip hanger or a packoff to be used with oilfield equipment includes providing multiple slip segments to be supported by a slip bowl. The method includes providing multiple pins having a self-retractive attribute to be associated with the slip segments and with the slip bowl. The method includes allowing, by at least in part the self-retractive attribute, engagement of the plurality of slip segments with a housing of the oilfield equipment based in part on a first direction of movement of the plurality of slip segments. The housing surrounds, at least partially, the slip bowl. The self-retractive attribute is provided, at least in part, by an angled profile for individual ones of the plurality of pins. The angled profile is to interface with a corresponding angled profile of individual ones of the plurality of slip segments A second direction of movement of the plurality of slip segments allows disengagement of the plurality of pins from the housing by the self-retractive attribute and allows retraction of the plurality of pins into the slip bowl by the self-retractive attribute.

While the disclosure will be described in connection with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

The foregoing aspects, features and advantages of the present technology will be further appreciated when considered with reference to the following description of preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements. In describing the preferred embodiments of the technology illustrated in the appended drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. The present technology, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terms used, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

In at least one embodiment, to resolve issues, such as described above, a slip hanger or packoff herein is provided with automatic engagement and retrieval capabilities, making it an automatic-setting slip hanger or packoff. Therefore, reference is made to one of the slip hanger or the packoff but can apply to either, unless indicated otherwise. A slip hanger includes automatic expanding slip segment support pins, representing a setting support, having a self-retractive attribute for engagement and retrieval. This aims to strengthen and minimize casing hanger deformation under heavy loads from casing weight or pressure. The pins herein allow the slip hanger to automatically transfer radial forces from a casing string, such as a pipe, and from slip segments, directly to the housing.

The slip hanger having such pins also ensure that its halves remain together. This enables a seal associated with the slip hanger or packoff to function effectively, but also reduces slip hanger materials otherwise used in such applications. In addition, it is also possible to reduce a touch time associated with these components as no additional tools are required to enable the engagement or retrieval with the self-retractive attribute of the pins. The self-retractive attribute of the pins may include one or more of a spring feature, a contact surface, or an angled profile of the pins to provide radial outward movement and retraction inward movement in response to axial movement of slip segments of the slip hanger or packoff. The self-retractive attribute may also be provided by a free floating state of the pins with respect to the slip segments, the slip bowl, and the housing, where the pins retract in the absence of a specific applied or intentional force to cause retraction.

The pins herein may be arranged circumferentially and can automatically expand to provide the radial outward movement or contract to provide the retraction inward movement, based in part on an angled interface with slip segments. The expansion enables engagement of the pins with the housing through the movement of the slip segments and the contraction enables retrieval of the slip segments by a disengagement of the pins. In one example, the slip segments may be imparted with an upward axial movement that causes its angled profile to interface less so with the slip segments, which causes the disengagement of the pins from the housing. In a similar manner, a downward axial movement can cause the angled profile to interface more so with the slip segments, which causes the engagement of the pins from the housing.

In at least one embodiment, therefore, the interface alone may not be the cause of the movement in the pins, as a threshold amount of axial force or movement in the slip segments may be required to be translated to radial movement of the pins. Further, relief of an imparted downward axial movement may be sufficient for the disengagement to occur. In at least one embodiment, however, an upward axial movement may be required. In all such axial upward movements, retraction of the pins into the slip hanger occurs and allows retrieval of the slip hanger. The pins allow for efficiency and functionality of the slip hanger under high-pressure and under heavy-load conditions. The slip hanger herein is also able to at least address issues of seal leakage by keeping its halves, such as of the slip bowl, together.

is a block diagram of certain oilfield equipmentthat is subject to a slip hanger or a packoff having pins with a self-retractive attribute, as detailed herein and in accordance with at least one embodiment. The oilfield equipmentmay include a Christmas treeover a wellheadlocated at or about a surface layer. The Christmas treemay include on one or more brancheshaving valves thereon of the oilfield equipment.

Further, as illustrated in, the oilfield equipmentmay include a top connectorthat is connected at a top of a studded cross. There may be multiple flow line gate valves and multiple kill line gate valves, generally illustrated as valves. These valvesmay be on opposite sides of a studded cross. Further, the oilfield equipment may include one or more master gate valves, such as an upper and a lower master gate valve. A tubing head adapter may be connected between a tubing headand at least one of the master gate valves.

In at least one embodiment, a systemfor a slip hanger or a packoff may be used to perform operations associated with a tubing string or tubularand may be located within a casing hanger spool, which may be part of or associated with a housing of a wellhead. In at least one embodiment, a systemof a slip hanger or a packoff having inner bowl segments to go along with the slip segments. The slip segments and the inner bowl segments may be held together, in part, by the use of the pins herein and may be used to perform operations associated with a tubing string. Aspects of a packoff may be located within a tubing headof the oilfield equipment, and may be used to perform other operations associated with the tubing string.

In at least one embodiment, a systemof a slip hanger or a packoff having pins with self-retractive attributes and bowl segments may be used with other hangers, including a tubing hanger associated with a tubing, a production casing hanger associated with a production casing, or an intermediate casing hanger associated with an intermediate casing. Therefore, the illustrated tubing stringmay be a series of concentric oilfield tubulars (casing or tubing), each having an independent hanger that may benefit from the present system of a slip hanger having pins with a self-retractive attribute.

In at least one embodiment, a casing string may line walls of a wellbore and may be supported by a slip hangermounted in a wellhead, in association with one or more of a casing hanger spoolor another feature. The slip hanger system may be referred to also as a casing hanger. In at least one embodiment, wedge-shaped segmented slips or slip segments may be provided for coupling between the slip hangerand the tubing string. The slip segments may have an inner profile that is textured and an outer profile that is smooth. This is detailed further in at leastherein. Further, compression seal assemblies may be provided for preventing pressure communication and may be provided between the tubing stringand wellhead.

In at least one embodiment, a systemof a slip hanger or a systemof a packoff may include multiple bowl segments to support multiple slip segments on an inner side. Further, the bowl segments may include at least a first retention feature to enable association with at least a second retention feature of the slip bowl to bring together the bowl segments. For example, the retention features may include fasteners or shoulders that interface to transfer load to a load shoulder of the wellhead (or housing) to support the slip bowl for the slip hanger or packoff to be used with the oilfield equipment.

The system;may be coupled together with threaded fasteners, including screws, bolts, studs, and nuts. These threaded fasteners may be torqued to an amount that causes the compression plate with grooves or slots to axially compress to provide a compressive preload force to the compression seal, to isolate the annulus between the tubing stringand wellhead. In at least one embodiment, instead of the threaded fasteners, the top plate and a seal adjacent to the top plate may be associated together by an internal lockdown. The internal lockdown may include other types of screws, such as lock screws without the aligned stud holes. These lock screws may be associated with the wellhead, and provide a compressive force to the slip hanger compression plate.

is a perspective view of aspectsof a slip hanger or a packoff having pinswith a self-retractive attribute, in accordance with at least one embodiment. The self-retractive attribute is detailed further with respect to at leastherein. The pinsare provided through respective pass-through featuresor. In at least one embodiment, the systemherein is also referred to as seal assembly and the system;is made up of a top plate(also referred to also as a compression plate), a seal or seal element, a bottom plate, a slip (or outer) bowl, and slips or slip segmentsA,B (which are between the slip bowland the tubing string, as illustrated and described with respect to at least) that engage a casing string. The slip bowlmay be provided in two or more bowl segmentsA,B. Further, each of the slip segmentsA,B and the bowl segmentsA,B are illustrated as two semi-circular or 180 degree members, but may include more than two segments.

The bowl segmentsA,B may be joined at a split, whereas the slip segments may be joined similarly at their respective segments and in a manner to not have any leak therethrough. A seal assembly and the system;may generally be a slip hanger or packoff depending on its operations and usage in the oilfield equipment. The sealoccupies an annulus seal gland, which is formed by a slip bowland portions of the tubular, a housing of a wellhead, and the top platethat are annularly around the slip bowl. As a result, a gland volume of the annulus seal gland is in reference to the space formed within the slip bowland portions of the tubular, a housing of a wellhead, and the top platethat are annularly around the slip bowl.also illustrates that side fastenersmay be provided that is distinct from the fastenersat the top plate. In at least one embodiment, the side fastenersmay be provided to associate the bowl segmentsA,B with the slip segmentsA;B.

In at least one embodiment, the top plateis for a slip hanger or a packoff and forms at least one part of a slip bowlto retain a sealwith the slip bowl. In at least one embodiment, the top platerestrains the sealin at least one direction. The top plateis associated with the seal, a bottom plate, which may be optional, and the slip bowlunder a fastener preload (such as from the fasteners), under thermal expansion, or under pressure load of the seal assembly and the system;.illustrates that a tubularis provided through an axisof the system of the slip hanger or packoff.

In at least one embodiment, example materials for at least the top plateand other plates to be used with the slip bowlinclude elastic materials, such as carbon steel or stainless steel, whereas the sealmay be of an elastomer material. In at least one embodiment, such elastomer may include hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) or Polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

In at least one embodiment, the bowl segmentsA,B are axially fastened together from a top side of the top plateusing fastenersthat are threaded and that thread into a bolt hole, and through the sealbefore reaching the slip bowl. Even though illustrated below the top plate, the sealmay be above the top plate, in at least one embodiment. The fastenersmay be hexagonal headed socket but may be any suitable lock screws or studs used to bring together the compression plateand the compression seal.

is a perspective view of aspectsof a slip hanger or a packoff within a spool, in accordance with at least one embodiment. As described with respect to, a systemfor a slip hanger or a packoff may be used to perform operations associated with a tubing stringand may be located within a casing hanger spool. In at least one embodiment, the systemof a slip hanger or a packoff herein may have bowl segments that may be provided with the slip segments. Then, the pins herein may be used with the slip segments and the bowl segments to hold them together. This provides an engaged position for the pins, the slip segments, and the bowl segments. In the engage position, operations associated with a tubing stringof the oilfield equipmentmay be performed.

Further, the slip segmentsA,B include an inner profilethat is textured, as illustrated, to interface with the tubular. For example, the tubularasserts a downward load and, therefore, movement to the slip segmentsA,B. The texture may be upward facing horizontal and circumferential grooves. These grooves allow gripping of the tubularand allow transfer of load from the tubularto the slip segmentsA,B.also illustrate that the slip hanger is aligned with an axisof a wellbore. Therefore, upward axial movementherein, unless otherwise described, is aligned in parallel with the axisof the wellbore and is outward with respect to the wellbore, whereas downward axial movementherein, unless otherwise described, is aligned in parallel with the axisof the wellbore and is inward with respect to the wellbore. The axial movements,are described further with other figures herein but may be caused by installation, preloading, loading, and retrieval of one or more of the tubular, the slip segmentsA,B, or the slip bowl.

In one example, the slip segmentsA,B are supported by the slip bowlherein and are associated with pins, such as described with respect to. The pinshave a self-retractive attribute, as described further with respect to at least. The self-retractive attribute is to enable engagement of the slip segmentsA,B with a housing of the oilfield equipment based in part on a first direction of movement that may be the downward axial movementof at least the slip segments. Further, the self-retractive attribute is to enable retrieval of the slip segmentsA,B based in part on a second direction of movement that may be the upward axial movementof at least the slip segmentsA,B. Therefore, the first direction of movement of the slip segmentsA,B is downward with respect to the axisof the wellbore and the second direction of movement of the slip segmentsA,B is upward with respect to the axisof the wellbore.also illustrates that the systemherein is subject to radial forces in the radial directionsthat may act on pinsof the systemduring its operation.

is a side view of aspectsof a slip hanger or a packoff having pins with a self-retractive attribute, in accordance with at least one embodiment.illustrates that the slip bowlmay include pass-through features,. The pass-through features,enable the pins to pass through the slip bowland to be in engagement with the housing, such as described with respect to at leastherein. Further, as illustrated, individual ones of the pass-through features,are in complementary locations in the system. A complementary location, as used herein, is in reference to alignment of each of the pass-through features,being opposite to another one of the pass-through features,. The complementary location may be symmetrical or asymmetrical for the pass-through features and, consequently, for the pins. Further, the alignment enables uniform engagement and disengagement, as well as loading, preloading, and other aspects with respect to applied or asserted forces in the system. In at least one embodiment, the forces may include radial forces in radial directions. Therefore, the complementary location provides for substantially equal distribution of radial forces in the radial directions and through the pins provided in the pass-through features,.

also illustrates that the pass-through features,for including therein the pins may include a first setof the pass-through features,and a second setof the pass-through features,. This is so that the pins through the first setand through the second setof the pass-through features,may be in engagement with the housing independent of or concurrent with each other. Therefore, in at least one embodiment, it is not required that pins through the first setof pass-through features,engage the housing at the same time as pins through the second setof the pass-through features,. However, in at least one embodiment concurrent engagement of all the pins of the first setand the second setof the pass-through features,is possible in the systemherein.

is a plan view of aspectsof a slip hanger or a packoff having pins with a self-retractive attribute, in accordance with at least one embodiment. Further, the plan view is at a sectionof the slip bowlof. Althoughillustrates a sectionof the side view in, the pinsinare illustrated through every pass-through feature of the slip bowl, but is illustrated at alternating pass-through features of the slip bowl. Therefore, the pins need not be in every pass-through feature, in at least one example. In at least one embodiment, although illustrated in an oval shape, the pass-through features,and the pins may be of any suitable shape that is readily understood upon reviewing this disclosure, to perform the features described throughout herein.

In, the slip bowlis illustrated in two bowl segmentsA,B and the multiple slip segments, including at least the two slip segmentsA,B ofare illustrated. One or more of the bowl segmentsA,B and the slip segmentsA,B may be arc-shaped or semi-circular shaped members.also illustrates receiving features for that side fastenersthat may be provided, which may be distinct from the fastenersat the top plateof the system. The side fastenersmay be provided to associate the bowl segmentsA,B with the slip segmentsA,B.

illustrates different details viewsof a pin with a self-retractive attribute to be used with a slip hanger or a packoff herein, in accordance with at least one embodiment. In, the excerptA provides a perspective of at least one pinthat includes a self-retractive attribute, while the further excerptB provides a perspective of the pinwithin a pass-through feature,of a slip bowl. Individual ones of the pins, such a pin, may include a retention featurewith a surfaceto engage with a shoulderof the slip bowl. This engagement can prevent the individual ones of the pinsfrom extending past the shoulderof the slip bowl. A thresholdformed by such a potential engagement may represent an amount of radial movement available in the individual ones of the pins. Therefore, the individual ones of the pinsare prevented from extending past the threshold, in one example.

Further, individual ones of the pins, such as a pin, may include a spring feature, as part of the self-retractive attribute. The spring featureallows for a radial outward movementand for a retraction inward movementfor each of the pins. The radial outward movementand the retraction inward movementmay be with respect to at least the thresholdof radial movement, for the individual ones of the pins. In one example, a downward axial movementof a slip segmentA;B causes the radial outward movementof the pin. In one example, an upward axial movementof a slip segmentA;B causes the retraction inward movementof the pin. Further, the slip segmentA;B includes an inner profilethat is textured and an angled profilethat is smooth to interface against a corresponding profileof each of the pins, such as the illustrated pin. Therefore, movements imparted into a tubular, against the inner profileof the slip segment, may cause, at least in part, the downward axial movementof the slip segmentA;B and the radial outward movementof the slip segmentA;B.

Further,also illustrates that each pinincludes a further profilethat is opposite the angled profile. This further profileis to engage or disengage from the casing hanger spool, which is part of a housing or is associated with the housing of a wellhead. In one example, there may be an indentation of the casing hanger spoolto receive the further profileof the pin. In one example, the spring featureis energized when the pinis extended by the radial outward movement. For example, the spring featureis energized on being loaded against a shoulderof the slip bowlthat also provides engagement for the retention featureif the pinis extended further than the spring's allowances, for instance. The spring featurethen deenergizes when the pinis subject to the retraction inward movement. The extension and the retraction of each pinmay be caused in part by the axial movements,, and is fully supported by the spring feature. Therefore, the spring featureis part of the self-retractive attribute that enables automatic engagement and retrieval capabilities for the slip hanger as a whole, and make such slip hangers an automatic-setting slip hanger.

In at least one embodiment, the self-retractive attribute is also provided, at least in part, by the angled profilefor individual ones of the pins. For example, the angled profileis to interface with the corresponding angled profileof the individual slip segmentsA;B during the upward axial movementfor the retrieval of the slip segments. This upward axial movementenables disengagement of the pins, via the spring featuredeenergizing or unloading from against a shoulderof the slip bowl. The disengagement is, therefore, also from the housing. Further, the upward axial movementenables retraction of the pinsinto the slip hanger, such as by being retracted into the slip bowl.

In at least one embodiment, the self-retractive attribute is also provided, at least in part, by the angled profileof the pins, where the angled profileis to interface with a corresponding angled profileof individual ones of the slip segmentsA;B during a downward axial movementfor the engagement of the slip segments with the housing. This downward axial movementenables the engagement of the pinswith the housing based in part of an extension of the pinsinto the housing, from slip hanger. This downward axial movementenables engagement of the pins, via the spring featureenergizing or loading from against a shoulderof the slip bowl. The engagement is, therefore, also from the housing. In addition, these aspects demonstrate that the angled profileherein provides, at least in part, the self-retractive attribute of the pins of the slip hanger.

In at least one embodiment, the pinsenable transfer of radial forces, from a tubular stringassociated with the slip segmentsA;B, into the housing. Further, at least the downward axial movementsupports the transfer of the radial forces being an automatic transfer based at least in part on the downward axial movementof the slip segmentsA;B causing interaction of the slip segmentsA;B against the pinsto extend the pins into the housing. In at least one embodiment, individual ones of the pinsare in complementary locations in the systemto provide substantially equal distribution of radial forces in the radial directions around a circumference of the casing hanger spool.

is a section view of aspectsof a slip hanger or a packoff having pins with a self-retractive attribute and in a disengaged position, in accordance with at least one embodiment. As illustrated in, the pinsmay be in a disengaged position at least because a gap remains from a further profile, which is opposite the angled profileof the pins, with respect to a surface of the housing of the casing hanger spool. Further, as illustrated, a surfaceof the tubularinterfaces with the textures of the inner profileof the slip segmentsA;B. This interface may not be under one or more of axial movement or radial forces to the extent as to cause radial movement of the pins. However, when a downward axial movement occurs for the slip segmentsA;B, which may be caused by the tubularor by other reactive forces in the wellbore, then an engagement of the pinswith the housing of the casing hanger spoolmay occur, as detailed in.

is a detailed section view of aspectsof the pins in the disengaged position, from, in accordance with at least one embodiment. As illustrated in, the pinsmay be in a disengaged position at least because a gapthat remains from a further profile, which is opposite the angled profileof the pins, with respect to a surface of the housing of the casing hanger spool. Further, as illustrated, a surfaceof the tubularinterfaces with the textures of the inner profileof the slip segmentsA;B. This interface may not be under one or more of axial movement or radial forces to the extent as to cause radial movement of the pins. However, when a downward axial movement occurs for the slip segmentsA;B, which may be caused by the tubularor by other reactive forces in the wellbore, then an engagement of the pinswith the housing of the casing hanger spoolmay occur, as detailed in.

In addition, the illustrated aspectsinand aspectsinmay also occur when the pinsare caused to in a disengaged position at least because a gapthat remains from a further profile, with respect to a surface of the housing of the casing hanger spool, for purposes of retrieval of the slip hanger. For example, as illustrated, a surfaceof the tubularinterfaces with the textures of the inner profileof the slip segmentsA;B. This interface may be under one or more of axial movement or radial forces to the extent as to cause radial movement of the pinsfor the engagement described with respect with. However, when it is desired to retrieve the slip hanger, an upward axial movement may be caused to occur for the slip segmentsA;B, which may be caused by the tubularor by other imparted forces in the wellbore. Then, the aforementioned interface may be under one or more of axial movement to reduce radial forces to the extent as to cause radial inward movementof the pins. This can cause disengagement of the pinswith the housing of the casing hanger spool, to provide the disengagement positions illustrated in.

is a section view of aspectsof a slip hanger or a packoff having pins with a self-retractive attribute and in an engaged position, in accordance with at least one embodiment. As illustrated in, the pinsmay be in an engaged position at least because a gap has closedfrom a further profile, which is opposite the angled profileof the pins, with respect to a surface of the housingof the casing hanger spool. Further, as illustrated, a surfaceof the tubularinterfaces with the textures of the inner profileof the slip segmentsA;B. Here, this interface may be under one or more of axial movement or radial forces. For example, a downward axial movement may be caused for the slip segmentsA;B, which may be by the tubularor by other reactive forces in the wellbore, then engagement of the pinswith the housing of the casing hanger spooloccurs. In at least one embodiment, the engagement remains till the aforementioned interface is not under one or more of axial movement or radial forces to the extent to cause deenergizing and unloading of the spring feature. For example, the axial movement need not be continuous but the at least prat of the radial forces may be continuous to cause the energizing and loading of the spring featureso that the pins remain engaged.

is a detailed section view of aspects of the pins in the engaged position, from, in accordance with at least one embodiment. As illustrated in, the pinsmay be in an engaged position at least because a gap which is opposite the angled profileof the pins, with respect to a surface of the housing of the casing hanger spool. Further, as illustrated, a surfaceof the tubularinterfaces with the textures of the inner profileof the slip segmentsA;B. This interface may not be under one or more of axial movement or radial forces to the extent as to cause radial movement of the pins. However, when a downward axial movement occurs for the slip segmentsA;B, which may be caused by the tubularor by other reactive forces in the wellbore, then an engagement of the pinswith the housing of the casing hanger spoolmay occur, as detailed in.

is a flow diagram of a methodfor a system of a combination set for a slip hanger or a packoff having inner bowl segments that is described at least inherein, in accordance with at least one embodiment. The methodis for a slip hanger or a packoff to be used with an oilfield equipment. The methodincludes providingslip segments to be supported by a slip bowl. The methodincludes providing pins having a self-retractive attribute to be associated with the slip segments and with the slip bowl. In at least one embodiment, therefore, such aspects,, in the methodherein may be performed as part of manufacture of a slip hanger or packoff or may be performed as part of an installation of a slip hanger or packoff.

The methodincludes determining or verifyingthat an operation is to be performed using the slip hanger or packoff. The methodincludes enabling, by at least in part the self-retractive attribute, engagement of the slip segments with a housing of the oilfield equipment based on a first direction of movement of the slip segments. In one example, the step of enablingengagement includes allowing, by at least in part the self-retractive attribute, engagement of the slip segments with a housing of the oilfield equipment based in part on a first direction of movement of the slip segments. The housing may be surrounding, at least partially, the slip bowl. The self-retractive attribute may be provided, at least in part, by an angled profile for individual ones of the pins. The angled profile may be to interface with a corresponding angled profile of individual ones of the slip segments. A second direction of movement of the slip segments may allow disengagement of the pins from the housing and may allow retraction of the pins into the slip bowl by the self-retractive attribute. The second direction of movement may be to support the further enablingstep in the methodof.

Further, the methodalso supports retrievalof the slip segments, which may be enabled based on a second direction of movement of the slip segments and using at least in part the self-retractive attribute for the pins. The methodherein may include a further step or sub-step for the first direction of movement of the slip segments to be a downward axial movement with respect to an axis of the wellbore. The methodherein may include a further step or sub-step for the second direction of movement of the slip segments to be an upward axial movement with respect to the axis of the wellbore.

The methodherein may include a further step or sub-step for the self-retractive attribute to be provided, at least in part, by an angled profile for individual ones of the pins. The angled profile is provided to interface with a corresponding angled profile of individual ones of the slip segments during the second direction of movement for the retrieval of the slip segments, which may include retrieval of the slip hanger or packoff entirely. The second direction of movement can enable disengagement of the pins from the housing and enables retraction of the pins into the slip hanger or packoff.

The methodherein may include a further step or sub-step for the self-retractive attribute to be provided, at least in part, by an angled profile for individual ones of the pins. The angled profile can be provided to interface with a corresponding angled profile of individual ones of the slip segments during the first direction of movement for the engagement of the slip segments with the housing. The first direction of movement can enable the engagement of the pins with the housing based in part of an extension of the pins into the housing from slip hanger or packoff.

The methodherein may include a further step or sub-step for enabling, using the pins, transfer of radial forces from a tubular string to the housing. The radial forces may be associated with the slip segments, in one example. The methodherein may include a further step or sub-step for enabling the transfer of radial forces to be an automatic transfer based at least in part on the first direction of movement of the slip segments that causes interaction of the slip segments against the pins. The methodherein may include a further step or sub-step for the slip bowl to include pass-through features to enable the pins to pass through the slip bowl and to be in engagement with the housing. Therefore, aspects of the methodherein may be performed in manufacture or installation for the slip hanger or packoff.

The methodherein may include a further step or sub-step for the individual ones of the pins to include a retention feature to prevent the individual ones of the pins from extending past a threshold of radial movement available in the individual ones of the pins. The methodherein may include a further step or sub-step for the individual ones of the pins to include a spring feature to allow for a radial outward movement and retraction inward movement, with respect to at least a threshold of radial movement, for the individual ones of the pins.

The methodherein may include a further step or sub-step for the individual ones of the pins to be in complementary locations in the system to provide substantially equal distribution of radial forces in radial directions. The methodherein may include a further step or sub-step for the pins to include a first set of the pins and a second set of pins. The first set of pins can be provided above the second set of the pins. The first set of pins can be in engagement with the housing independent of or concurrent with the second set of the pins.

While techniques herein may be subject to modifications and alternative constructions, these variations are within spirit of present disclosure. As such, certain illustrated embodiments are shown in drawings and have been described above in detail, but these are not limiting disclosure to specific form or forms disclosed; and instead, cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within spirit and scope of disclosure, as defined in appended claims.